Hit the slopes without hitting your wallet. Skiing and snowboarding don’t have to break the bank, and New York State offers a wide range of ski destinations set across diverse landscapes that make winter recreation easy and affordable. From beginner-friendly hills to black diamond trails, these family-friendly mountains feature wallet-conscious lift tickets, rentals, and lessons for all ages and abilities. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a winter getaway, enjoy an unforgettable ski trip on your terms.

Address: 141 Novosel Way, Speculator, NY 12164

Nearest city: 1+ hour to Lake George

Carve your way through 22 trails and a 650-foot vertical drop, all serviced by four lifts at Oak Mountain, where there’s a slope for every level. When your legs need a break, race down the snow tubing lanes or refuel at the on-site Acorn Pub & Eatery. For an alluring and affordable Adirondack escape, book a cozy room at The Inn at Specular, just five minutes from the mountain, offering rustic rooms and a highly rated on-site restaurant. Toast to a great getaway at nearby Lemon Tree Brewery, the local watering hole featuring twelve taps, eight wines, non-alcoholic beverages, and bar snacks.

Lift Tickets:

• Adults (13–64): $59 full day / $53 half day

• Juniors / Seniors: $48 full day / $43 half day

• Seniors 70+: $18

• Kids under 5: Free

• Thursday Night Skiing: $22

• Military discount: 20% off lift ticket for Military personnel, spouse, and kids under 18

• First responder discount: 10% off lift ticket for Fire, EMS, Police, NSP

Extras:

• Rentals: $35–$40

• Tubing: $24

Address: 2725 Mariaville Rd, Schenectady, NY 12306

Nearest City: 10 minutes to Schenectady

Family-owned and operated since 1963, Maple Ski Ridge offers 8 trails, 4 lifts, a 270-foot vertical drop, cross-country skiing, and a small, welcoming environment perfect for beginners or anyone looking to hit the slopes at an affordable price. After skiing or boarding, relax in the cozy base lodge with food and drinks, or head into downtown Schenectady for even more affordable fun. Catch a Broadway production at Proctors without breaking the bank, try your luck at Rivers Casino & Resort, and kids will love meandering MiSci for interactive science and innovation exhibits. There is no shortage of dining destinations, from fast-casual spots like Simone’s Kitchen and Herbie’s Burgers to upscale eateries like Milas or The Nest. Make it a getaway by booking a night at the DoubleTree by Hilton.

Lift tickets: 

• Weekday (3pm–8pm): $38 (all ages)

• Weekday (6pm–8pm): $25 (all ages)

• Weekend (Adults 13+): $55 full day / $45 half day

• Weekend (Juniors 4-12): $50 full day / $40 half day

• Weekends (4pm–6pm): $25 (all ages)

• Seniors 70+: $5

• Kids under 3: $5 (with adult ticket)

Extras:

Address: 215 Johnson Rd, Malone, NY 12953

Nearest City: 1+ hour to Lake Placid

With 54 trails, 8 lifts, and a 1,200-foot vertical drop, Titus Mountain delivers big-mountain fun without the big-mountain prices. Once voted the top family-friendly ski resort in North America, the mountain offers an outdoor adventure for everyone, from advanced double black diamond trails to gentle green beginner trails. Neon night tubing is a must-do at the newly renovated tubing park, where booming music and thousands of LED lights add to the fun. When it’s time to warm up, head to the lodge’s Moon Valley Grill for table-side service and comforting eats like poutine, chicken and waffles, and grilled cheese with a twist. Make the most of your trip with the ski & stay package, which includes an overnight stay at the nearby Holiday Inn Express & Suites. The package includes two adult lift tickets to Titus Mountain, ski storage at the hotel, and preferred parking at the mountain. After a day on the slopes, relax in the hotel’s saltwater pool and hot tub, then wake up refreshed to a complimentary breakfast. Looking for even more affordable fun? Spare some time for a few games of bowling at Lucky Strike.

Lift Tickets:

• Adults (22–64): $74 weekend / $54 weekday / $39 night

• Young adults (13–21): $69 weekend / $49 weekday / $39 night

• College Students (must have valid ID): $69 weekend / $49 weekday / $39 night

• Juniors (6–12): $59 weekend / $44 weekday / $34 night

• Seniors 65+: $64 weekend / $49 weekday / $34 night

• Save up to 10% when you purchase tickets online

• Military discount: $5 off lift ticket, and on Fridays lift tickets for active and retired military are $30

Extras:

Address: 356 Villa Roma Rd, Callicoon, NY 12723

Nearest City: 25 minutes to Livingston Manor

Zip down Villa Roma Resort’s three ski slopes or hit the tubing park for an easy Catskills ski trip. Known for being affordable and all-inclusive, Villa Roma offers low-cost lift tickets, and if you want the full experience, overnight stays start as low as $120 per night. When you stay at the resort you can enjoy access to a wide range of amenities, including nightly entertainment, a cozy ski chalet with a fireplace, an indoor heated pool and hot tub, and a sports complex with bowling, an arcade, ping pong, and pool tables. On-site restaurants, bars, and lounges add to the après-ski ambiance.

Lift tickets: 

Extras:

• Rentals: $35-$40

• Tubing: $25

Address: 4015 Fish Farm Rd, Sodus, NY 14551

Nearest City: 50 minutes to Rochester

Looking for some of the lowest lift tickets around? Brantling is the move. With nine trails, six lifts, and a 250-foot vertical drop, it’s the perfect spot to grab your ski fix, whether you’re squeezing in just a few runs or making a full day of it. If you decide to make it a getaway, settle in at the Hampton Inn Rochester/Webster, about 30 minutes away and ideally located for exploring Rochester. While you’re there, enjoy low-cost seasonal fun like ice skating or cheering on the Rochester Americans hockey team. Pack in even more exploration and fun in the city at the Seneca Park Zoo, Strong National Museum of Play, and George Eastman Museum.

Lift tickets: 

• Adults (13+): $37 full day / $32 night  / $29 Sunday morning

• Juniors (7–12): $32 full day / $28 night / $26 Sunday morning

• Kids (6 and under): Free with purchase of adult ticket

• Seniors 60+: $26

• Whole Family (immediate family): $145

Extras:

Address: 51 Old Mt Peter Rd, Warwick, NY 10990

Nearest City: 1 hour to New York City

Take a trip to the oldest operating ski area in New York State and one of the last family-operated ski mountains in the country. An easy drive from New York City, Mount Peter packs big fun into a small-mountain feel, showcasing 15 trails, 7 lifts, a 450-foot vertical drop, and a tubing hill everyone can enjoy. New to skiing or snowboarding? Mount Peter is especially known for its free beginner lessons on weekends and holidays, making it one of the most affordable places to learn or sharpen your skills. Spend some time in town strolling into shops including Frazzleberries, Newhard’s, and Village Bungalow, then enjoy a warm meal at Grappa Ristorante, Baird’s Tavern, Fetch Bar & Grill Warwick, or Eddie’s Roadhouse. Not ready to go home? Book a night at the Hampton Inn Harriman–Woodbury for around $100/night and just one mile from Woodbury Common Premium Outlets.

Lift tickets:

• Midweek: $60 full day / $49 night

• Weekend: $80–$84 full day / $55–$65 night

• Seniors 70+: Free

• Kids (4 and under): Free (Midweek) / $45 (Weekend)

• Tuesday Special: $50

Extras:

• Rentals: $50–$60

• Tubing: $40–$45

Address: 18160 Alpine Ridge Rd, Watertown, NY 13601

Nearest City: 40 minutes to Clayton

Two things you won’t find at Dry Hill Ski Area are big crowds and big prices. Since 1960, this Watertown winter wonderland has offered low-cost skiing, snowboarding, and tubing with 9 trails, 3 lifts, and a 300-foot vertical drop. After your outdoor adventure, warm up in the cozy Fireside Lounge where you can enjoy the après-ski atmosphere, and live entertainment every Friday night. If you’re in town on the weekend, add in a visit to Zoo New York to see animals native to New York State, including wolves, eagles, bears, and otters. Stay overnight at the Holiday Inn Express and enjoy a comfortable room, complimentary breakfast, and access to the indoor pool, all for around $100 per night.

Lift tickets: 

• Adults (13+): $25-$35 Wednesday-Thursday / $25-$45 Friday / $30-$55 Weekends

• Juniors (6-12): $20-$30 Wednesday-Thursday / $20-$40 Friday / $25-$45 Weekends

• Seniors 65+: $15

• Kids (under 5): Free with purchase of adult ticket

Extras:

• Rentals: $45

• Tubing: $18-$20

Address: 137 Birch Hill Rd, Patterson, NY 12563

Nearest City: 1 hour train to New York City

Thunder Ridge Ski Area is an ideal one-day getaway set in the rolling hills of Patterson, just over an hour’s drive north of New York City. Shred across 23 trails, three lifts, a 400-foot vertical drop, and a newly renovated terrain park. Getting there is easy even without a car, take Metro-North Railroad from the city to the Patterson or Southeast stations and then it’s a short rideshare or cab to the mountain. After you’ve cruised the slopes, unwind at the Slopeside T-Bar Café, where you can enjoy scenic mountain views, pub fare, and craft brews. 

Lift tickets: 

Extras:

Address: 2275 Co Rd 24, Swain, NY 14884

Nearest City: 1 hour and 10 minutes to Rochester

With more than 77 years of history, Swain Ski Resort proudly made history as the first ski resort in the state to welcome snowboarders! Today, Swain offers a relaxed atmosphere, featuring 35 trails, five lifts, and a 650-foot vertical drop. Take advantage of ski-in/ski-out opportunities with a ski & stay package, meaning more time on the slopes, convenient and cozy accommodations, all at a discounted price. After a run or two, refuel at on-site mountain spots including The Shawmut Grille or Mercer’s Café. Keep the outdoor adventure going with a visit to nearby Letchworth State Park, known as the “Grand Canyon of the East” and voted the best state park in the nation.

Lift tickets: 

Extras:

• Rentals: $38

  
  

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